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Researching the cultural reaction on mental ill patients

Alexandros Argyriadis1, Agathi Argyriadi2 1.PhD(c), University of Peloponnese 2.PhD(c), University of Crete

ABSTRACT

AIM

The purpose of this study was the research of the existence or not of the social stigma against psychiatric patients.

METHOD

The study population was a sample of 3500 people from Greece (urban and suburban). For the survey was used a questionnaire of 29 questions, constructed by the researchers. The data were collected through personal interview by the researchers. For the statistical analysis was uesed the statistical program SPSS v.13 and tests Crosstabs x2 (chi-square) and Fishers' extract test. Finally, the normality of variables was tested with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.

RESULTS

Young people are less informed on the separation of mental illness with mental retardation as well as for the age of onset of disease. As for the danger and violence of the mentally ill population rate of 14.2% from the province answered positively.Remarkable is the 12.9% of people who believe that what is provided for a mentally ill patient is the marginalization, with a
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statistically significant difference (p <0.002). As for renting a house to a mentally ill person rate of 52.4% is willing to contrast with the residents of provincial centers where are more apparent to rejection at a rate of 54.9 with a statistical difference of (p <0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that the mentally ill are deprived of opportunities and social support.This of course is not perceived by others who are mentally healthy, because nobody believes that these people often face serious problems not only with their relatives but also with those around them. The survey results gave the coordinates of a reality in modern Greece, where young people gradually overcome the obsessions of the past. Encouraging can be considered the results but the stigma of mental illness persists.The most important thing is that there is now more suitable situations to fight the stigma than in the past.

Key words: Psychiatry, stigma, social rejection, Greek population, psychology.

Responsible for correspondence: Alexandros Argyriadis Zagorion 19 K. Patissia Athens TK 10445 Tel 6977972381 e-mail: alexphd1@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION

Stigma is an innate disposition of society to the other, who differs from the others.Especially the psychiatric patient is facing through the centuries many multilevel rejection reactions. Such can be seen in a different space-time cultural context, level of education and many environmental factors. However,
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the mental health sciences evolved over the centuries and revise concepts and principles that was previously dominant. It is observed that the stigma against mental illness has fallen on and follows a similar decline as the years go. 1, 2.3 Due to incomplete research data on the issue of stigma, particularly in the Greek population, this research attempts to investigate discrimination and stigmatization reactions of the population and the results obtained are of great interest. Also, there is a great interest because of the affection of other methodological systems. The issue of stigma is prompted by a multidisciplinary study of a synthetic methodological research framework consisted of ethnographic research and fieldwork characteristics.

METHOD

The study population was a sample of 3500 people from Greece (urban and suburban). For the survey was used a questionnaire of 29 questions constructed by the researchers. The data was collected through personal interviews by the researchers.For the statistical analysis was used the statistical program SPSS v.13 and tests Crosstabs x2 (chi-square) and Fishers' extract test. The normality of variables was tested by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.

RESULTS

The first question about the terms of the population as to the definition of mental illness, 77.3% of the sample aged 25-40 years responded that it is sickness of the soul in contrast with 22.7% aged 25 years who believe that it is mental retardation. (P <0.005).

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When asked at what age the mental illness occurs, 87% believe all ages and 13% aged 25-40 years believes that mental illness occurs at an early age.(P <0.002). Regarding the incidence of disease among both sexes 90.3% believe that appears in both. 5.9% claims that it is more common in men and 3.8% in women with a statistically significant difference. (P <0.001) When asked if mental illness is more common among residents of large cities or smaller urban districts the 93.8% supported the first and only 6.2% in the second. (P <0.005). At the question if the mentally ill can be cured, 73.5% aged 26-40 years believe that can be healed as opposed to 26.5% of the same age who answered no. (P <0.005) Is it, however, the mentally ill dangerous and violent in terms of the sample? It depends on the case answered the 78% irrespectively of educational level. 15% of residents from the province argues that mental illness can be dangerous and violent. The view is different to the residents of urban centers at a rate of 7%. (P <0.002) With regard to the fact whether the mentally ill must be marginalized, 87% answered negatively. Remarkable is the rate of 13% of provincial and urban centers who believes that marginalization should be provided for a mentally ill patient is the with a statistically significant difference (p <0,002). In a related question of whether drug addicted and alcoholics are mentally ill, 57% responded positively and the remaining 43% negatively. (p <0.001) Do the respondents agree with the mentally ill being in their workplace and in their social circle? Negative is the view of 74.9% of the sample while only 25.1% of them accepts them. (p <0.005) Regarding the question of allowing their child to associate with a child that his parent is mentally ill 64.6% aged 26-40 responded positively and 35.4% negatively. Similarly, residents of the province have responded positively to a rate of 64.8% and negatively 35,2% (p <0.005) Is there any excuse in the fact that the spouse applies for divorce because the other spouse is mentally ill? 60.8% regardless of educational level believes
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that there is, while a small percentage from the province 29.2% claims to the contrary (p <0.001). About whether there is a trend to "hide" a mental patient in their social circle, the overwhelming percentage of 85% from Athens claims that they would not do so, while 15% of the province has the opposite opinion . 52.4% aged over 40 years old will be renting their house without any problem at a mental patient while 47.6% could not take such an action. (p <0.001) In the question if a mentally ill person can study and if the mental illness is caused by excessive study, the majority is in favor of education and does not believe that this can cause any psychological problem. Generally, 94% of the sample does not take part in programs that support mentally ill patients, according to the sample of population.

DISCUSSION Despite the fact that the society in Greece is more receptive than ever to any change, unfortunately, presents negative attitudes to psychiatric patients. This study identifies the magnitude of rejection and stigma as it is shaped in large urban centers and in the region. The first question about what they believe that mental illness is, there is a clear confusion of concepts which may be a trigger for planning health education. The results show that young people are not informed enough and this could be seen as motivation of providing education programs. 1

When asked about the age of onset for the mental illness science suggests answers to the view that mental disease occurs more often in younger ages. 2 It is again evident that the younger age groups differ in relation to older people. Regarding to the incidence of disease among both sexes in 90.3% thought that occurs equally in both. Ethnographic studies of recent years eradicate gender inequality in each sector. One of these is health, which is understood as not to be discriminated. As a regard to gender, it must be said that epidemiological studies show twice the prevalence of major depression in
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women. any reviews want women to call upon the doctor more easily or to be more affected by a failed marriage, or widowhood.4, 5 When asked if mental illness is more common among residents of large urban cities results of recent surveys divided since the fast pace of urban centers and the constant stress contribute to the emergence of mental illness. In contrast, other studies show lack of stimulation in the region and drab atmosphere that contributes to the same. 5.6 The modern way of life in industrialized societies is positively associated with schizophrenia, but has not fully specified. 7,8 Probably other reasons are related to the transmission of viruses or because the patient lacks the protective effect of his family. 10 But, are the mentally ill dangerous and violent in terms of the sample? This view on cruelty differs between urban and suburban residents to only 7%. Important information received should be taken seriously in the new model of prevention as well as the process of deinstitutionalisation and the development of new data in the field of culture science and psychiatry.7 This is proved by previous studies which showed that people with mental illness are not more dangerous compared to the general population. 8People with schizophrenia have slightly increased indicators of violent behavior which usually occurs due to neglection of drug therapy and the lack of support and acceptance. For the fact whether the mentally ill must be marginalized, there is a remarkable 13% of provincial and urban centers who believes that for a mentally ill patient marginalization should be provided with statistically significant difference (p <0,002). The result describes the need for development of health education programs in the population. 52.4% aged over 40 will be renting their house without any problem to a mental patient while 47.6% could not take such an action. According to anthropological approaches presented continuously in modern literature has important practical acceptance and effective 11, 12.13. Questions whether a mentally ill can study or if the mental illness is caused by excessive study, the vast majority are in favor of education and patient
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support. In contrast, the vast absolute majority do not take part in volunteer programs that support mental patients. Perceptions about whether one can heal mental illness get the answer from science. It is not insignificant the 26.5% of the sample who believes that mental illness is not cured. It is commonly accepted that modern psychiatry has the scientific means for the effective treatment of mental disorders.

The marginalization is a totally negative component of mental health patient. The association of mental illness with violence and danger, fear and ignorance results in negative social reaction and deprive mental patients the opportunity to live in the society among us. Mental disorders can now be addressed more effectively outside the hospital. Optimistic views come from the percentages of respondents who believe to the social integration of mentally ill patients.

It is of great interest the relation between alcoholics and drug users with mental patients where answers appear confused. High rates were found both in Athens and in the province to agree with the view that these categories of people can be seen among the mentally ill, with rates of 56.3% and 58.5% (not statistically significant difference). The acceptance of a mental patient in the workplace and social environment found negative in terms of the sample after 74.9% did not receive the mental patient in his everyday life, while only 25.1% of them accept, demonstrating the isolation of these individuals and deprivation of opportunities. This reverses the previous answer, recent studies have shown that people with schizophrenia can work.15, 16,17 The work appears to contribute to their rehabilitation. Regarding the question whether to allow their child to make friends with a child whose parent is mentally ill there was found a good mood for socialization. Similarly, residents of the province have responded positively to a rate 64.8% and negatively 35.2%. The results reveal lack of information and humanitarian education.18, 19,20

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CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, it is easily understandable that the mentally ill are deprived of opportunities and social support. This of course is not perceived by others who are mentally healthy, because nobody believes that these people often face serious problems not only with their relatives but also with those around them. The survey results gave the coordinates of a reality in modern Greece, where young people gradually overcome the obsessions of the past. The results can be seen as encouraging, but the stigma of mental illness still persists. The most important thing is that there is now more suitable field to fight the stigma than in the past. Young people adopt most modern concepts and they stigmatize less the psychiatric patient.However, almost everyone believes that mental illness is a door that when opened will never close again. Scientists have a duty and moral responsibility to combat and eliminate the burden of so unpleasant feelings that the mentally ill chases. Stigma must be eliminated and therefore is required hard work to achieve this important goal.

Culture Journal | Researching the cultural reaction on mental ill patients